HSE Scientists Identify Effective Models for Training Research Personnel for Industry
Experts from the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge have examined industrial PhD programmes across 19 countries worldwide. The analysis shows that the key components of an effective model include co-funding by universities, industry, and government; dual academic supervision; and flexible intellectual property arrangements. The findings have been published in Foresight and STI Governance.
Academia and industry are often seen as opposing spheres, although their collaboration underpins innovation-driven development. With the growing demand for scientific and technological sovereignty, businesses increasingly require specialists with advanced research competencies. At the same time, only one in ten doctoral students in Russia completes their dissertation on time. The main obstacle to timely completion is the need to combine doctoral studies with employment unrelated to research.
Industrial PhD programmes offer an alternative model in which academic study and research are combined with employment in a company. Unlike traditional doctoral programmes, this model focuses not only on scientific novelty but also on solving applied problems that are important for industry.
Researchers from the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, led by Alena Nefedova, analysed 67 industrial PhD programmes across 19 countries to identify the key components of successful university–industry collaboration and assess the prospects for this format in Russia. The authors compared the goals of existing doctoral programmes, their funding sources, degree of formalisation, industry focus, the status of doctoral students, procedures for selecting research topics, and the regulation of rights to research results.
The analysis showed that despite the diversity of national approaches, all industrial PhD programmes promote knowledge transfer between universities and companies, develop talent for industry, and support the implementation of technological priorities. The key differences lie in funding mechanisms and the degree of programme formalisation. The most stable models of co-funding were found to be those involving the state, universities, and businesses. They help maintain a balance between academic and applied goals while mitigating risks for all participants.
Also essential to programme success are tripartite agreements between the university, the company, and the doctoral student; systems of dual supervision; and flexible intellectual property arrangements. These factors help prevent conflicts arising from differences in the institutional logics of academia and industry. Universities typically prioritise openness of results and scientific novelty, while companies are more focused on practical outcomes and the protection of commercially sensitive information.
An analysis of Russian data shows that elements of the industrial PhD model are already partially present in practice. About one third of doctoral students in engineering and technology fields who are employed in the business sector conduct research at their employer’s facilities or as part of employer-led projects, and the results of their work often have practical applications. However, company participation in the educational process remains limited: only a small proportion of employers are involved in planning and supervising research or appoint academic consultants.
The study findings indicate that industrial PhD programmes are emerging as a key tool for training personnel for high-tech industries. This format is particularly in demand in engineering fields.
Alena Nefedova
'Industrial PhD programmes benefit both academia and industry: doctoral students gain access to real-world data, acquire experience working on applied projects, expand their professional networks, and enhance their career prospects, while companies gain valuable talent and can translate research results into practical applications more rapidly,' explains Alena Nefedova, Leading Research Fellow at the HSE ISSEK Laboratory for Economics of Innovation.
The authors suggest that successful implementation of such projects in Russia requires a step-by-step approach, including the launch of pilot initiatives at leading technical universities, the establishment of co-financing mechanisms, the development of tripartite cooperation frameworks, and the creation of flexible rules for regulating intellectual property.
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